Comeback (The Holland Brothers Book 3)

“He’s pitching again tonight,” I say as we get close to Coach’s house. He lives outside of the city on several acres. His entire half-mile driveway is gravel, which is a point of contention for all the guys with sports cars.

I park my truck and kill the engine.

“And you brought me here?” she asks. “We could have gone somewhere and watched the game or even stayed home.”

The Twins lost the last two games, and it killed Flynn not to be in the game. He’s amped up and ready to go. I just know he’s going to have a great night.

I get out and walk around. Sabrina’s door is already open, but she waits for me to help her out.

“I promised I’d stop by,” I say. “Plus, I wouldn’t have seen this dress. You look so fucking sexy.”

She always does, but tonight she’s in a tight black dress with little straps and these strappy shoes that lace up around her ankles. The fact we made it here without me pulling over or turning back is a testament to my willpower.

Also, I felt like I owed her a real date. We’ve been hanging out a lot, a few hours here and there as our schedule allows, but I want to take her to fancy restaurants and out to parties and events. Outside of Olivia and a few other friends at Lilac Lounge, she hasn’t gotten to know that many people, and truth be told I’m happy to show her off to my circle.

My teammates all adore her, and it feels good to be by her side.

“Sexy, maybe, but not made for this truck. Help me.” She sticks out her bottom lip as she angles her legs and tries to get out of the truck.

“Happily.” I scoop her up into my arms and turn in a circle. She squeals and latches on to my neck.

I drop a kiss to her mouth as I come to a stop. When I pull back, she laughs and then reaches out and rubs her thumb along the top of my lip. “You’re wearing my lipstick.”

“Mmmm.” I kiss her again before setting her on the ground.

Inside, players and members of the coaching staff and their partners wander around the big house. It’s a lot of house, light and airy, and so not what I’d picture as Coach’s style. I’d picture him in a big log cabin or something, honestly. The man wears the same navy athletic pants and white polo shirt every day and drives an old Suburban that’s from the late nineties. But I’ve met his wife, and a few minutes of watching them together, it’s pretty clear that she calls most of the shots.

“This house is beautiful,” Sabrina says, looking up with wide eyes.

“Yeah. You like it?”

“Umm, yes.” She chuckles lightly. “More than like.”

The way she’s so lit up, I guess I can’t blame Coach. I’m half-tempted to buy a house just like this to keep the smile on Sabrina’s face, and I’ve been dating the girl for five seconds.

We find Brogan and London in the kitchen with Cody and Tripp.

“Hey! My favorite sister and my ex-best friend.” Brogan’s excitement is written all over his face when he spots us. He hugs Sabrina and then attempts to scowl at me, but it only lasts a few seconds before he busts up laughing.

I wrap an arm around Sabrina’s waist, and she leans into me. I notice Graham in the other room staring at us. He’s been more annoying than ever at practice, but this is the last place I want to get into it with him. I’m prepared to ignore him, but Graham steps forward and blocks our path.

“Sabrina, right? Nice to see you again.” His gaze drifts from her face down her body, just long enough for a flicker of annoyance to pass through me.

“Hi.” She steps back and molds herself to my side.

His stare moves back to me. “You two are a thing, huh?”

The way he asks the question, it’s clear he thinks that’s surprising for some reason.

I don’t bother answering him, but he’s not really looking for me to anyway. Graham just likes to hear himself talk.

“I guess there’s no accounting for taste.” He winks playfully and takes a drink from his beer.

God, what an asshole.

He takes a step closer to us and I instinctively shift so I’m holding Sabrina just a tad behind me. It’s not like I think he’ll hurt her. I don’t think he’s that big of a jerk. I just don’t want him near her.

“So, Sabrina, what do you do?” he asks. “Model? Influencer? You’re a knockout.”

My brows lift higher, and a scoff leaves my lips. Is he fucking for real right now?

“What?” he asks me. “You don’t think she’s beautiful?”

Sabrina wraps a hand around my bicep, still leaning into me. Her touch stops me from taking his bait.

“I’m a dancer at Lilac Lounge,” she says brightly, and like she’s not at all bothered by his comment. I don’t know if she’s pretending for his sake or mine, but I suppose it wouldn’t be great to punch one of my teammates at Coach’s house.

“And she’s about to open a dance studio at Sixth and Lake,” I clarify.

“That still sounds weird.” A small laugh leaves her lips.

“Better get used to it,” I tell her, then kiss her again. I can’t seem to help it. Then I look at Graham. “It’s going to be the best one in the city. You should see what she did to the place. It was basically an abandoned warehouse until she cleaned it up.”

“I had some help.” She nuzzles against me.

“Sixth and Lake is an up-and-coming area,” Graham says.

I resist rolling my eyes at him. Seriously, who says shit like that except real estate agents?

“Yeah, it’s a nice neighborhood,” Sabrina says, like she just can’t help being polite but doesn’t know what to say either.

“Excuse us,” I say without offering up more of an explanation as I pull her away from him. I meet Brogan’s stare long enough to see he’s smiling at our hasty exit.

“God, that guy is skeevy,” Sabrina says when we step outside.

“Right?” Relief floods through me. “Oh, I’m so glad you think so too.”

I wrap my arms around her and pull her to me, kissing her and probably getting lipstick all over my face again.

She laughs softly. “I already knew you didn’t like him.”

“Caught on to that, huh?” One side of my mouth lifts at the corner. I haven’t tried to hide it, exactly, but when you’re part of a team, it’s a little like family, and I don’t like to talk shit about my family. Even if I’d like to boot him out of said family.

“You’re not that good at hiding it,” she says against my lips.

“Maybe you’re just more perceptive than most.”

“When it comes to you, absolutely.”

Slade interrupts our happy moment. Completely ignoring me, he pulls Sabrina into a big hug. Then proceeds to fawn all over my girl, admiring her in a way that has me clearing my throat and lifting a brow at him. Not that he seems to care about my reaction.

“Ooooh. Is this a new chain?” she asks, leaning closer to his chest to look at the diamond necklace he’s wearing.

“Yep. Got it yesterday. You like?”

“I love. Are those emeralds?”

“Mhmm.” He holds it up with a finger and she moves even closer.

Slade must feel me burning a hole into his forehead because he glances up at me. Then the fucker smirks.

Sabrina is going on about how the jewelry is so pretty, all while still standing way too close to my teammate who is enjoying riling me up.

“Wanna try it on?” he asks her.

“Oh, I couldn’t.”

“I insist.” He reaches back and unhooks it, then places it around Sabrina’s neck.

“It’s heavy,” she says. She turns to me. “What do you think?”

“You’re gorgeous but, baby, if you don’t take off Slade’s necklace, I might have to punch my teammate.”

Her mouth drops open, and she glances back at Slade’s wide smirk. She swats at him. “Stop provoking my man.”

“It’s too easy, baby cakes.”

She takes off the necklace and gives it back to Slade. As soon as she does, I wrap my arms around her waist from behind and pick her up.

“Aww, come back,” Slade calls as I carry Sabrina away. His booming laugh is joined by several others. “Don’t go, Holland. I’ll stop hitting on your girl.”

I lead her over to a quiet area. She’s giggling when I set her down.

“Much better,” I say. There’s no one else around, just how I like it.

She turns to me and runs her hands up my chest. “That was unnecessary. Slade’s not really my type.”

“Too handsome?” I joke.

“His jewelry is better than mine.”

I laugh and she smiles back at me.

“I’ve missed you this week.”

“You have seen me every day,” she says.

“Still true.” My phone buzzes in my pocket. I hook one arm around her waist and fish it out with my other. “Sorry. My brothers have been blowing me up all night.”

I read through the texts. Knox went to Minnesota to watch the game and Hendrick is hosting a watch party at the bar. Both brothers have been sending messages all night. It’s a big deal and I think we might be more nervous than Flynn is about the game. Even Brogan has somehow found the time to join in.

“It’s fine. Tonight is a big night for all of you. What’s the score?”

“Still tied at one. Flynn’s pitching now.”

“Pull it up.” There’s excitement in her tone that matches my own.

“You want to watch the game?”

“Of course I do.”

With a grin, I open the game up on my phone and we huddle together to watch on the small screen. Flynn gets through another inning without letting anyone on base. I breathe a sigh of relief.

“He looks a lot like you,” Sabrina says.

“Yeah?” I ask.

She nods. “Why baseball?”

“He played basketball in high school too. Even had some offers for college scholarships, but baseball was always his number one passion.”

“Never football?”

“Nah.” I shake my head. “Three older brothers, four really with Brogan, he was more interested in paving his own way than following in our footsteps.”

“Big footsteps to fill.”

“Something tells me he’s going to be bigger than all of us. Twenty years old and stepping up for his team in October?” I shake my head. The pressure he must feel. Or fuck, maybe he doesn’t feel it at all.

“You’re proud of him. It’s sexy.” She lifts on to her toes and kisses me.

“Ooooh. I didn’t realize all this talk about my brother was turning you on.” I scrunch up my face.

“You turn me on.”

“I’d like to.” My hands slide down to her ass.

She taps me lightly with one finger and then motions with her chin behind me, indicating someone is there. I growl against her lips, nipping the bottom one before I turn around.

Brogan and London stand there amused.

“Oh, fuck, it’s just them.” I turn back around and kiss her again. She giggles into my mouth. When we break apart, I open my stance to let them in. I wonder how long until we can leave.

“Are you following the game?” Brogan asks.

“Of course.”

His grin widens. “Hendrick says the bar is more packed than it’s ever been. And Knox says it’s insane sitting at the game and listening to the home crowd chanting Flynn’s name.”

“I am on the same group text thread as you.” Truth be told I love hearing it, even for the second time.

“God I wish we were there.” He can barely contain his excitement. On a daily basis, Brogan is the unrestrained version of my feelings. While I’m more reserved, he wears his emotions on his sleeve.

“Same.”

Sabrina looks up at me all doe-eyed, reminding me of her comment a few moments ago.

“I’m really proud of Flynn,” I say, then brush my lips against hers.

When I pull back, she rolls her eyes, but she snuggles a little closer.

“Okay. Not sure what’s happening here, but you two aren’t allowed to have inside jokes without me.” Brogan waggles a finger between me and Sabrina.

“I’m sorry,” I say, faking guilt. “Did you want to hear how your sister finds me sexy and I turn her on?”

Sabrina squeezes my arm, eyes wide. Her hands lift and she signs, What the hell?

Sorry, but it had to be done. He’s so nosey, I sign back.

“It’s funny because I know what you’re saying. Also, Arch?” He waits until I look at him, then flips me the bird.

Our foursome falls into more appropriate conversation while the patio fills with more of our teammates. Brogan and I continually check the game and group chat. Between the game, the texting, and kissing Sabrina every chance I get, I’m barely aware of anyone else at the party.

When both our phones buzz at the same time, I let him check it while I keep the video of Flynn up. It’s the top of the fifth. He’s been unhittable, but this current batter is the best in the league and it’s a full count. Flynn winds up for the pitch and I hold my breath as he fires another fast ball and strikes out the best batter in the league. He’s fucking incredible.

“What’s it say?” I ask when I can finally pry my gaze away from the game.

Brogan glances up from his phone and stares at me a beat. I can tell instantly from his expression something is up.

“Knox ran into your dad.”

My jaw tightens. I’m not all that surprised, but it still sours the mood.

“Do you think Flynn is funding his trips?” Brogan asks.

“Probably.” I don’t know what Dad’s been doing for money. At one time he drove a truck, but that can’t be the case if he’s following Flynn around to games.

“Flynn’s smart and Knox is keeping an eye on him.” Brogan gives me what I think is meant to be a reassuring smile but thinking about him has my mood plummeting and fuck that. I’m out with my girl. He doesn’t get to ruin this. I’ll talk with Knox and with Flynn later.

Coach steps outside, bringing the rest of the party with him. He makes a quick speech, thanking us for coming and telling us to enjoy the food, then invites us all to check out the items in the silent auction.

There are tables on one side of the yard filled with items to bid on. Sabrina drags me by each one. I’m only half-looking, lost in my thoughts.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

“Yeah. Great.” I blink a few times and stare at the spa day package in front of me.

I wave my hand toward it to see if she’s interested, and Sabrina shakes her head.

“I’d rather have the Holland jersey back there.”

“I’ll get you one of those for free.” I sign my name at the bottom of the spa package anyway. The charity is a good one. They’re local and support at-risk youth so I don’t really care if I win. I’m just happy to support them.

When we’re done looking, Sabrina and I wander over to a quiet spot in the yard.

“What’s going on in that handsome skull of yours?” she asks, lacing her fingers behind my neck.

“Sorry. I guess I’m not a very good date tonight.”

“It’s not that. I can just tell something is wrong.”

I blow out a breath, already feeling better. There is something about Sabrina and her ability to read me so well that puts me at ease.

“My dad being at the game tonight got to me,” I admit. “He’s been following Flynn around for the last couple of years, going to all his games and…”

“You wish he had done that for you?”

“No,” I say automatically. “Maybe. I’m not sure. The thing is, he didn’t. Not for me or Hendrick or Knox. Then a couple of years ago he decided he wanted to be there for us like nothing had happened. The rest of us made it clear we weren’t interested, but Flynn let him back into his life.”

Sabrina says nothing, but her stare remains on me as she listens.

“If I’m honest, I didn’t think it would last this long.” Just like all the times before, I figured Dad would cut out after a month or two. “Flynn has so much going for him right now. I don’t want to see our dad take advantage of him.”

“I am so sorry. I don’t know all the details, but I can’t imagine what it was like for you. Then or now.”

“I had my mom and my brothers growing up. I didn’t really feel his loss. Not the same way that the others did.” Hendrick and Knox filled that role for me after Mom died, and I accepted that some people weren’t meant to be parents. Or I thought I’d accepted it. I hate that he still gets under my skin.

“Wanna know a secret?”

She doesn’t miss a beat. “I want to know everything about you.”

“I lost my hearing when I was ten years old,” I say, then smile slightly. “That isn’t the secret.”

“How did it happen?” she asks.

“It was this freak accident. I was riding my bike, going too fast down a hill and I crashed, hit a street sign just right, I guess. It wasn’t immediate, or at least I don’t think so. My head was ringing, and I was dazed. I walked back home. I had a concussion and a broken wrist. Went into the emergency room thinking I was going to have a badass cast and walked out to a completely different world.”

I swallow thickly. “The secret is that I’m the reason our dad left. Don’t get me wrong, he was in and out before then, but after my accident, he split for almost a year. And when he did come back, it was only because Mom was sick.”

“Archer,” she whispers my name.

I clear my throat and force my stare to remain on her face instead of looking away.

“Whatever the reason he left, that’s on him. It says everything about his character and nothing about yours.” Her brown eyes stare hard at me. “You get that, right?”

I nod.

“Okay, but do you really?”

“Yeah.” A small chuckle slips out. “I really do.”

She steps closer until our bodies are flush and presses her mouth to mine. When she pulls back, she signs, Thank you for telling me your secret.

“You’re welcome.”

“Want to hear one of mine?”

“Yeah.” Anything to lighten the mood. This is why I don’t like talking about my dad. It just brings up all the old shit. I don’t want to live in the past. I like my life now. But I worry about Flynn.

“I’m really glad I met you.”

“I’m really glad I met you too.”